Bayliner's bad reputation?

[haldane]

Hi All:

Have been looking at boats in the 19' range for a while. I've come across the various brands and as to be expected, come across Bayliners. I remember that they had a bad reputation years ago - but for what I don't remember.
I can't afford a new boat and will be going for something made from the mid 1990s to early 2000s year range.
So, is an older Bayliner something to be avoided. And as far as it's concerned, are there any other brands that had an particular issues?
We're talking hull problems, as any engine problems can be fixed.

Thanks

 

[Chris]

What do you perceive as their reputation being bad for?

Since the mid 80's, Bayliner has been owned by Brunswick, the same company that owns Mercury Marine and a number of other boat brands.

To me, Bayliner is more of a mass production entry level boat, but the approach they use manufacturing their hulls, is really not to dis-similar to many other hull manufacturers.

-Chris

 

[nathan]

it is believed that being a cheaper entery boat that it was not purduced as well. with that they have seemed to break down quicker and it depends on the model. plus that in the mid 90s they were not the best looking boat. some believed that they were producing them too quick and not taking the time to make sure they were perfect. I know people that love and hate them. if you were looking i would look for later 90 and newer. but with every boat it depends on how it was cared for.

 

[haldane]

Thanks for the replies. I didn't want to post too long of a question, so I kept it short.
I'm not very versed in fiberglass boat hulls, but I know one serious problem is de-lamination, where a layer close to the surface comes apart from those underneath it. I remember looking at, of all brands, a 24' Searay, ( this was an older one ) that had this problem.
I'm not saying Bayliners had this problem, but was wondering if there were any production runs that had some kind of serious problems.

H

 

[nathan]

all boats have the possiblity for delamination. just make sure you can get a good walk around and in the boat. or have it looked at by a boat mechanic you trust or that is not the seller.

 

[haldane]

Thanks for your replies gentleman.

H

 

[Chris]

Since you seem to have some interest in construction quality, you might want to do a little searching on Google for some of the different construction methods used in Fiberglass boat building.

Google some terms like "hand laid fiberglass" ..."chopper gun"...."vacuum bagging" etc.

You'll find that there are actually quite a few different ways that hulls are laid and produced. Many mass production boats are actually manufactured using what is called a chopper gun. Some construction methods also use balsa wood for the core.

As a fiberglass boat gets older, delamination typically becomes more and more of an issue as a boats hull starts to deteriorate, especially those which are not well maintained or where water starts to infiltrate the core.

It's a pretty interesting topic, but way too long and complex for anyone to really explain in a post.

-Chris